Soldier Field, View Released Details – NBC Chicago

Look out, Chicago Swifties: the show you’ve been waiting for is just days away. But you already knew that. What you might not know is all the ins and outs of a show at Soldier Field.

“The final countdown to Taylor Swift’s three-night foray into Soldier Field has finally come,” a stadium press release said Wednesday. “Taylor Swift will perform to sold-out audiences at Soldier Field on all three nights (June 2, 3 and 4),” the statement continued, adding that Swift’s “The Eras Tour” is one of “music’s most anticipated of 2023.”

MORE: Pickup, Timing, Restrictions: What Parents Need to Know About Taylor Swift’s Chicago Shows

At stadiums across the county, these musical events have yet to disappoint fans, despite the pouring rain and security concerns. And with more than 60,000 Swift fans descending on Soldier Field each night — not counting the parents and ride-hailing drivers who drop off and pick up the thousands of spectators — here’s how it should all go.

Crowds

Every night of Swift’s three-night residency at Soldier Field is sold out, depending on the stadium. According to Soldier Field officials, the stadium currently holds 63,500 people. And while it’s the smallest NFL stadium in the country, it’s significantly larger than Chicago’s other major stadiums.

For example, Wrigley Field, where Bruce Springsteen, Dead & Company and Fall Out Boy will play later this summer, has a capacity of 41,649. The United Center, where Aerosmith is due to play in September, holds 23,500.

Whichever way you slice it, the show and the area near the stadium should be packed.

Traffic

There will certainly be.

“Customers may experience traffic jams at times,” says Soldier Field. Additionally, several construction projects in and out of Chicago may result in additional safeguards and delays, including construction of the Kennedy Freeway as well as ongoing resurfacing and lane closures along DuSable Lake Shore Drive.

Drop off and pick up

There will be designated drop-off and pick-up locations for parents and attendants coming to the stadium, Soldier Field notes. Here is a breakdown:

People attending the show can be dropped off at the 18th Drive Turnaround, just west of the 18th Drive exit ramp from Lake Shore Drive. However, due to heavy traffic, officials suggest dropping off fans at Columbus Drive or Michigan Avenue and then walking them to the museum campus.

For after-show pickup, officials say the reunification of parents, guardians and rideshare drivers will take place on Columbus Drive between Roosevelt and Balbo, beginning at 10:30 p.m.

“We encourage parents and carers to use this area to quickly reunite with family and friends,” the Soldier Field statement said. “Chauffeurs can use the alphabet signage markers to provide guests with IDs. Stadium
security and parking personnel will be present to ensure a safe and organized operation.”

Additionally, stadium security will be on hand to “provide a safe and organized operation”.

MORE: Janet Jackson fans encounter traffic nightmare for Tinley Park show

Soldier Field and city officials “strongly” encourage ticket holders to use public transportation and arrive early.

When do the gates and car parks open?

Each day of the show, out-of-stadium merchandise sales will begin at noon at four locations, Soldier Field said. The car parks open at 2 p.m. and the show doors open at 4:30 p.m.

The show is scheduled to start at 6:30 p.m., with OWEN and Girl in Red premiering Friday and Saturday, and Grace Adams and Muna Sunday.

According to the stadium, Swift will take the stage around 8 p.m., with a set that lasts at least three hours.

Car park

If you haven’t already purchased a parking spot at Soldier Field for the show, you’re out of luck.

“Parking lots are currently sold out due to early parking lot sales,” Soldier Field said. However, some nearby courses may have spaces available.

McCormick Place Lot B, Millennium and South Grant Park garages will be open, with Millennium Park Garage offering a shuttle to and from the stadium. The shuttle will pick up fans at the bottom of Randolph and pick them up at Metra 18th Staircase between 4 p.m. and 1 a.m.

However, Grant Park South, Grant Park North and Millennium Lakeside Garages will not be offering shuttle service.

What can you bring to Soldier Field?

Soldier Field adheres to the NFL Bag Policy, which limits the size and type of bags allowed in stadiums.

Only bags that are “clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC and no larger than 12″ x 6″ x 12,” the NFL says. “No buckles, eyelets/hardware or decorations can conceal any part of the bag.”

In other words: the bag should literally be completely transparent.

Posters will be allowed, says Soldier Field, but cannot exceed 24 inches x 24 inches.

Don’t have a ticket?

Buyer beware, says the Better Business Bureau.

While many tickets offered for sold-out shows like Swift’s may be legitimate, others are not, warns BBB President and CEO Steve J. Bernas.

“One of the first things to do in advance is to be on the lookout for fake websites, tickets, and merchandise,” Bernas says. “You don’t want to show up at the door after waiting months and paying hundreds or even thousands of dollars only to find out your ticket is fake.”

Be sure to buy from a verified seller and use your credit card for all purchases, as it offers the best fraud protection of any payment method.

“There are countless ways for consumers to find tickets online, with online marketplaces, ticket sellers, resellers, and unfortunately some are scams,” Bernas adds.

According to Bernas, buyers should be extra careful when buying tickets sold on online marketplace platforms like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace.

“Buying tickets on these sites from people you don’t know is like buying tickets in a dark alley,” Bernas said. “The scammers are adept at providing realistic tickets and fake receipts.”

Additionally, Soldier Field is asking those without tickets to refrain from coming to the stadium.

“People without tickets are strongly discouraged from coming to the Soldier Field campus,” the Soldier Field statement read. “No part of the show will be visible and the acoustics of the stadium offer no audible quality outside of it.”

Will the celebrities be there?

While Hollywood stars, athletes and musicians have been spotted at Swift’s previous shows on the tour, it remains to be seen who might make an appearance at upcoming Chicago shows.

Some good news, though: Anyone who might not be welcome at Soldier Field has already seen a show at their new stadium in Foxborough, New Jersey.